Keith Gilbert tells iUniverse about new thriller, “The Door”

iUniverse author Keith Gilbert tells us about his new novel, “The Door”.

My name is Keith Gilbert.  I live in Arlington, Texas.  I have a wife and daughter and work as a contractor in the Dallas – Ft. Worth area.

My novel is titled, The Door.  It is listed as a thriller but could fall under several headings as it includes elements of science fiction, horror, and drama.  The main character has a unique ability.  He is able to open a passageway (a door) into alternate realities.  Though the passageway is a physical object to him, no one else can see it.  He can pass through the Door, spend hours, days, months, in an alternate reality yet when he returns to his home reality no time has elapsed.

There are many other elements to The Door, but those are the basics.  As the main character (Mason) matures, he encounters many adventures, meets interesting people, and ultimately attracts unwanted attention to himself in the form of horrific creatures that wish to take control of his unique gift.  The ‘bad guys’ decide the best way to gain control of Mason is by attacking his family and anyone he cares about.  Certainly, I could go on and on talking about my story.  I’ve devoted an enormous amount of time on it.

As with most authors, I do much reading.  My influences include Stephen King, Robert Heinlein, and Elmore Leonard.  I read a wide variety of novels, but these three are among my favorites.  I found that I had a desire to write when I was in Jr. High.  My 8^th grade English teacher challenged the class to find any book we wanted in the school library and write a book report.  I remember thinking, “what a major drag!”  I found the shortest fictional paperback I could, a novel by Robert Heinlein.  And I loved it.  I found myself going back to the library and looking for anything and everything the man had written.  It wasn’t long till I realized I wanted very much to write my own stories, to bring an emotional response from a reader in my own way.

I believe it is very important to grab a reader with your first sentence or at least your first paragraph.  The Door begins as follows.  Mason Waters studied his reflection in the bathroom mirror.  Christ, he thought.  What happened?  …  As a reader, I am curious to read the next line, and so on, and so on.

Call me a romantic.  If I am spending my time reading a novel, or watching a movie, I want a positive ending.  I hate when main characters die or when the bad guy wins.  There are stories out there like that, sure.  No matter what I write, no matter the circumstances or genre, the message I want to convey is, the good guys win, love conquers, and dreams come true.

The Door was approximately 600 pages.  I received some valuable advice.  “Keith, your book is too long.”  I absolutely refused to edit my story down to a respectable size.  So, I divided the story into 2 separate novels.  I’ve already written the sequel to The Door.  The Door II – Time Heals All Wounds. I am currently working on part 3 of this novel.

I am very new to the marketing and promotions part of this business.  Currently, I do not have a solid plan of action.  I am open to suggestions and willing to do what I need to do to be successful in this industry.

As for my favorite part of the publishing experience, I believe it is yet to come.  My author’s copy has yet to reach my fingertips.  I am anticipating that to be a special moment.  Seeing my novel being offered on various websites will be an awesome experience as well.

This is my first attempt at publishing something I’ve written.  I’m learning much along the way.  I suppose if I were to offer any advice to an aspiring author it would be this…  No one cares more about your book project than you.  Do not assume someone else shares your passion.  Be diligent, follow up, get confirmation, you know – the things you would do with any business venture.  And the advice I often read in blogs on writing, if you aspire to be a writer, keep writing.

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